Vehicle Light Module with Aberration Correction Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high beam systems for motor vehicle lighting lack the ability to generate high-contrast, fully variable light distributions with high resolution and intensity while being cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A light module comprising a light-emitting device positioned centrally between a spherical concave mirror and its center of curvature, with a correction device to reduce spherical aberration and an aperture stop to minimize coma and astigmatism, allowing for the generation of high-resolution, variable light distributions with reduced chromatic aberrations, and featuring a photoluminescent element for enhanced imaging properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a spherical concave mirror is used to reflect light and improve efficiency, then light intensity is improved, but spherical aberration deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A correction device is introduced as an intermediary element between the spherical concave mirror and the light emitting device. This correction device specifically addresses and reduces the spherical aberration generated by the mirror, allowing the system to maintain both high light intensity from the mirror and acceptable image quality through active correction of optical defects.
2Ease of manufacture
If the light emitting device is positioned centrally on the optical axis, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but coma and astigmatism deteriorate image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture stop is extracted and positioned specifically at the center of curvature of the spherical concave mirror, separate from the central optical axis position of the light emitting device. This strategic placement of the aperture stop removes coma and astigmatism from the system, allowing the light emitting device to remain in the simple central position while still achieving high image quality through the aperture stop's selective positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the creation of high-contrast, fully variable light distributions with improved image definition and reduced glare, enhancing driver perception and allowing for better recognition of traffic signs, while being manufactured at low cost.
Implementation Method 1
A large part of the light emitted by the light emitting device is reflected by the spherical concave mirror
Implementation Method 2
The correction device reduces or eliminates the spherical aberration of the spherical concave mirror, i.e. it adjusts the optical path lengths between the focal point on the object side and its image point in accordance with Fermat's principle
Implementation Method 3
An aperture stop is located at the center of curvature of the spherical concave mirror. This means that the excellent position of the optical axis disappears and all rays emerging from the light module are idealized axial rays. The aperture stop thus reduces coma and astigmatism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A light module (2) for a motor vehicle lighting system is proposed, comprising a light emitting device (4) arranged on an optical axis (24) substantially midway between a spherical concave mirror (10) and a center of curvature (18) of the spherical concave mirror (10). The light emitting device (4) is directed towards the spherical concave mirror (10) for light emission. A correction device (16) serves to reduce spherical aberration of the spherical concave mirror (10) and is arranged in the beam path downstream of the spherical concave mirror (10). An aperture diaphragm (28) is arranged at the center of curvature (18) of the spherical concave mirror (10).